Twitter Reactions: Jozi Stars prevail in the cliffhanger at Kingsmead

Durban Heat’s campaign in the 2018 edition of the Mzansi Super League (MSL) went from bad to worse as they lost against Jozi Stars at the Kingsmead in Durban. The encounter went right down to the last over, but the Stars’ batsmen held their nerve. While the Stars’ are placed in the third position of the points table, Albie Morkel’s team is the tournament’s cellar dweller.

Erwee stands tall

The Heat won the toss and opted to bat first, but the decision backfired on them as they were bowled out for a paltry 128 in 18.3 overs. Sarel Erwee and Morne van Wyk opened the batting, but fast bowler Duanne Olivier nipped out the latter and ever since Durban kept losing wickets at pretty regular intervals. Temba Bavuma and Khaya Zondo perished cheaply as well.

David Miller smacked a six, however, he could only crawl to a run-a-ball 29. At the other end, Erwee looked in a different zone altogether and he scored 62 runs from 39 deliveries with nine boundaries and a six. Unfortunately, fast bowler Dwayne Pretorius got rid of him in the 11th over. Following Erwee’s dismissal couldn’t inject any momentum in the innings by any means.

Stars come out trumps

The run-chase wasn’t expected to be tough for Dane Vilas’ team. Nevertheless, they made a meal of it. The openers- Chris Gayle and Reeza Hendricks– were removed early by Tladi Bokako and Kyle Abbott respectively. The likes of Ryan Rickleton, Rassie van der Dussen, and Daniel Christian succumbed to the pressure. Meanwhile, half their side was back in the hut with the score at 57.

Simon Harmer contributed with 25 runs from 22 balls. Nono Pongolo hit a couple of sixes to keep the Stars in contention for a victory. Jozi Stars needed 11 runs in the last over and Merchant de Lange started the over with Kagiso Rabada’s wicket. To his dismay, he bowled a no-ball in the penultimate ball after which Pongolo deposited him over the ropes to pull the curtains down on the match.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the humdinger

Absolute scenes in Durban as Nono Pongolo smashes two sixes to give the Jozi Stars a one wicket win. What a match! #MSL2018

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 7, 2018

#MSLT20 – 😲WHAT A CLOSE GAME!😲 PONGOLO!!!! Saves the day for @StarsJozi as they had to dig deep to get that win by 1 WICKET!

FAST. FUN. FOR ALL. pic.twitter.com/1MGE42iGqW

— #SonyNetwork (@Sony_Cricbuzz) December 7, 2018

I remember i wasn't sure about supporting Jozi stars with the 1st 2 games but now i am super happy#MSLT20 #msl

— Orlando Pirates 🇿🇦 (@Herbert_Mampuru) December 7, 2018

What an amazing end to the game!!! @StarsJozi were pushed all the way by @durban_heat but @NZP10 finished it off in style after Man of the Match @DaneVilas played a key knock to ensure a fourth straight win for the Stars 👏👏👏 #MSLT20 #FastFunForAll pic.twitter.com/qKvbvQnuvc

— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) December 7, 2018

WHAT DRAMA, the Jozi Stars have done it !!!
Nono Phongolo has rescued the game for us!#ignitingexcellence #MSLT20

— Jozi Stars (@StarsJozi) December 7, 2018

We needed 12 off 2 with 1 wicket in hand and won with 2 balls to spare!!! @NZP10 you absolute beauty!!!! He was a late injury replacement to the squad as well, needing to cancel his commentary work commitment with SABC to play! @StarsJozi #MSLT20 #MzansiSuperLeague

— Andrew Stringer (@AndrewJStringer) December 7, 2018

Congratulations to the Powerade Man of the Match @DaneVilas #MSLT20 pic.twitter.com/djNDbL7j9D

— Hasnain Shah (@Shahhasnain69) December 7, 2018

WOW what a finish by PONGOLO 12 were needed in 2 bowls and he smashed 2 sixes 😍 #MSLT20 #DHvsJS pic.twitter.com/ObLqTfRVQU

— World music (@Worldmusiq) December 7, 2018

Both Jozi teams in Gold & Black have had drama today …Sheeesh @KaizerChiefs @stars_jozi #MSLT20 #PSL4

— TshepangM. (@Lehloenyamelo) December 7, 2018

Amazing Match @MSL_T20
Congrats @StarsJozi Hard luck @durban_heat #MSLT20

— Hamza Gayas Khan ♡ (@HamzaGayas99) December 7, 2018

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